August will be exciting for Cardinals

We haven’t turned the calendar on a thrilling month of July yet, but August promises to be a solid month for the St. Louis Cardinals.

With a thrilling mid-month series leading the way, this could be a month where St. Louis puts some distance between itself and its competitors for the National League Central championship.

More from Redbird Rants

• Cardinals Rumors: 3 pros and cons of signing Carlos Rodon
• What’s next for the St. Louis Cardinals after Contreras signing?
• Report: Cardinals Emerge As Mystery Team for Carlos Rodon
• Cardinals: Trade targets after signing Willson Contreras
• Reflecting on the 2013 Cardinals’ top 30 prospects

Here is a sample of what to expect when the calendar turns to August:

Division competition awaits

The Cardinals have to finish their four-game series with the Colorado Rockies before they turn the focus back to the NL Central.

Beginning on Aug. 4, the Cardinals play nine straight games against the division, with three road games apiece with the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers. The short six-game road trip ends on Aug. 9. After an off day, the Pittsburgh Pirates come to Busch Stadium for a three-game series that either will distance the Cardinals from the competition or create a more thrilling race

West coast swing

After three games with the San Francisco Giants, the Cardinals embark on a 10-game road trip with three games against the San Diego Padres, four against the Arizona Diamondbacks, and three with the Giants once again.

After that the Cardinals return home and close out August by starting out a series with the Washington Nationals.

Analysis

This is a rough month for the Cardinals. They can’t look ahead to that Pirates series even though easier contests with Cincinnati and Milwaukee are there. The road trip will be difficult as well as St. Louis has six games with the Giants in a possible playoff preview.

Time will tell if the Cardinals can enter September on a high note.